Ellis ParkFri, July 17, 2026

ROSE RULER (2) scored by 1. 5 lengths last start at Churchill Downs Turf (Turf) over 5f after he was in the firing line on the bend. Is yet to miss the frame from three starts at this distance, including two wins. Has a high cruising speed. Will give a great sight. STEP FORWARD (6) showed good early pace over 5½f at Churchill Downs Turf (Turf) last time and kept going to score by 0. 3 lengths. It doesn't get any easier but on his best form he is capable of a big performance. FIRST RESORT (7) is a progressive four-year-old entire who resumes from a break of 19 months, his last appearance being a win over 1m1/2f in the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs (Dirt) at his only run of that campaign. Has a perfect when resuming record from two starts. Likely to push forward and race on the pace. One of the main contenders. SCHWARZMEIER (10) missed the placings two runs back then didn't do any better last start when 10 lengths away in sixth over 5f at Churchill Downs Turf. Nicely placed to find some form.